Remote Control

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Discuss another speculative fiction novel that you have read which is similar to Remote Control. How are they similar and different?

2. Were you surprised by the novella’s ending? What did you like and dislike about it?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Discuss a time when you were in a position of power or felt like you had control over others. How did your experiences and feelings reflect what Sankofa went through in the novella? How does her journey impact your understanding of those in power?

2. In what ways can you connect with Sankofa’s journey to figure out who she is and where she belongs in society? How do her experiences reflect a typical childhood despite her living a very atypical life?

3. Despite the robocop being wholly futuristic, what parts of it do you feel are reflected in today’s society? How does it make you feel about your own use of technology and where you feel society is headed in the future?

4. How did you respond to the death and tragedy that Sankofa faces emotionally? Have you ever faced a tragedy that changed your identity and/or the trajectory of your life?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. Although present only briefly in the novel, discuss the characters of Alhaja, Sister Kumi, and Auntie Nana. What characteristics do they have in common? What do you feel the novella says about women through these characters?

2. Discuss how different communities and people responded to Sankofa’s power. What does this reflect about cultural beliefs surrounding the supernatural and the unknown?

3. What societal or cultural assumptions does the novella challenge by centering the future on Ghana? How does this differ from most speculative fiction you’ve read or seen?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. What does the color green symbolize in the novella, specifically Sankofa’s green glow from her powers and the greenery of nature? Discuss its importance in relation to one theme from the novella.

2. Discuss one internal and one external conflict that Sankofa faces in the novella. How do the resolutions of these conflicts, or lack thereof, develop her character?

3. Who would you say is the antagonist in the novella? How does that character change and shape Sankofa’s development in the text?

4. How does the novel explore the tensions between destiny and agency? Does Sankofa ever truly have control of her own narrative?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.



1. Write an Epilogue for the novella. Where does Sankofa go after she destroys the seeds? What does she do? Discuss why you feel that she would take these next steps in her journey.

2. Choose a scene from the story and discuss how it would look from Movenpick’s perspective. How does he feel about Sankofa? What does he see as his role in relation to her character? Why does he stay with her throughout the novella? Consider these questions and more in your discussion.